Loving the magic of the holiday season

At the time of writing there are only three sleeps left until Santa comes and I am beyond excitement. It’s been a brilliant but long year. I think we all deserve something nice, whether that’s something you wish for, a surprise or just simply a token.

A wonderful time of the year for some, a more difficult time for others, the madness started weeks ago and the craziness has been building; talk of children’s plays, the adults parties, school exams, work deadlines… it’s all busyness and sometimes pressure for some, be that financial, a lack of time, loneliness or health. There’s a range of reasons a celebration can sometimes heighten the sadness.

Particularly at this time of the year I am always thankful for what I have and make an effort to support local charities, local sports clubs, visit relatives and friends, to open my doors to family and friends and to share some homecooked food with lots of chats and laughter because company at this time of the year can mean so much to many.

When I was younger my mam always had candles lit on the windows at Christmas time – and still does. It was a sign of a welcoming house for visitors, to light the way for a lonely traveller, that there was always room in the Inn. My home house was always a visiting house and still is, the front door is always open, the kettle always on, hours of storytelling and listening are enjoyed. I continue the tradition, always having lights on our windows albeit not the traditional candles but the more modern battery lights. I turn them on every evening with the same intention that my mam did. I might not always be at home, but the meaning is there and I think this alone means a lot to friends, family and neighbours; there might not be someone there all the time, but when there is we are fully open for visiting, listening and welcoming. I think the visiting and storytelling, could easily become a thing of the past because of our busy lifestyles but that’s what I love about Christmas; it allows us the time to be at home, to light the candles and to open the doors.

The colourful and beautiful bright lights, the sparkling glitter, the excitement, crowds, rushing and traffic, it can sometimes be a little overpowering for some. With lots of people under pressure to get work “wrapped up” and to think of everything for everyone, I like to think of this time of year as a chance for everyone to celebrate some time out with family and friends; where life can be enjoyed together in a peaceful environment, where people do not have to rush to work, school, sport, shopping, when there’s no chores, where one does not need to look at the clock or worry about the time.

For everyone this can mean lots of different things. Some people love the hustle and bustle, the busyness of shops, the lights, the parties. For some it means spending time at home, enjoying the comforts of homecooked food. For others it’s about the simple and traditional celebrations of Christmas and for some it is a religious celebration. Some children celebrating Christmas today may not fully understand the story behind Christmas; I like others can sometimes forget and can get caught up in the presents, the food, the going, and forget the real meaning of Christmas.

I believe we can make it a very magical time, based on our own needs and wants. On a recent family trip to Elf Town, it really highlighted to me about the magic of a time of celebration. We were in an enchanted forest; of course, I spend many a morning running in the enchanted forests around me and so was intrigued by the woodland elf, the surroundings, the trees, the colours, the environment, the calmness but most of all the children’s eyes lighting up while trying to take it all in. Some have never been in a forest before, so this was unbelievable magic for them. The elf went on to explain that it us the people who create the magic in the forest, that the trees soak up our magic and we soak up theirs, we breath in their oxygen, we share the forest with the animals, we must be kind and look after our trees, forests and nature. The snow elf went on to explain that the forest is heightened with the different seasons; Jack Frost brings parts of the forest to life, he sprinkles the greenery with a covering of white that sparkles and lights up the place in a magical way, the rain waters our plants and trees and the sunshine brings the beauty to life. This is why everyone should spend time in a forest, especially when life can get very busy and we need some magic to take us away to another land.

Music has a magical way of lifting us up higher, it brings people together and so we begin to sing to the trees: ‘Magic, magic, please fill our hearts, we’ll blow you a kiss, to give us some magic bliss’. The children’s eyes light up, smoke appears from the magic potion pot. The sound of awe in the room, the feeling of happiness, the laughter; this experience reminds me so much of when I get to experience the enchanted woods of Clonbur, awash with magic, created by the people who cherish and spend time there. On entering the forest, one is immersed in a sea of brown, greens, yellow, orange, just like here today. One can breathe the pure air, no smog, no smoke, no pollution, everyone has a smile. It’s the sounds, smells and sightings that create the magic for me.

The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton, explains that “deep in the enchanted woods there is a tree, with magic in its leaves it reaches high into gateways to strange lands”. Sometimes when immersed in a forest, you do feel like you are in a strange land, far away, because it is so different than the land just left behind. I do believe in the power of magic but like our elf explained today, sometimes it is up to us to create our own magic. Of course, sometimes this can be so hard, if a family member is not feeling well, if someone has had a tough day. It’s at times like this we need to create magic for the people around us, no matter how bad they feel we can still do something nice for someone.

If we could just everyday spend time with people, listen and share stories, be caring and kind, be understanding, helpful, cooperative, and maybe not sweat the small stuff, we could all create a magic that would last. It would ignite our surroundings just like the enchanted forest. We would breathe, live and enjoy life much more and a happiness and positivity would be created that would last.

This magic does exist, in lots of places. Today I received the most beautiful handmade card from a student, I thanked them from the bottom of my heart, I read and appreciated every word and looked through every detail. To receive something created by someone is magic, so thoughtful, generous and kind. To receive a thank you email is also a beautiful gesture; I do not ever expect to receive anything because the reward one gets from the act of giving warms your heart. However, sometimes when we do something nice, we receive something back and it makes hard work worthwhile. The word thank you takes no work, but means a lot. I try to say it every day and also ensure my children do.

To receive or make and to give a handmade cake or gift is another beautiful thought. However, sometimes we think we don’t have the time, patience or that we need it instantly and cannot wait. Children love to draw and colour, love to make cards, we should encourage and allow them the time to do so. Family love to receive a child’s handmade card and will treasure forever, as the picture tells a thousand words.

Coming towards the end of a year, I sometimes like to reflect, be thankful for what we have, for what we have achieved and look forward to new beginnings in a few weeks. From all aspects of our lives, there will be arears we will be happy with, areas we would like to improve and areas we want to explore; now is the time to pause, take it all in and be happy with what we have.

Enjoy the wonder of the holiday season, whatever that maybe for each and everyone of us.

Wishing you and your families the magic of the festive season. Nollaig Shona Duit (Happy Christmas) agus Nodlaig mhaith chugnat (Happy Holidays).

We posted our letters and sang happy Christmas in English, Irish, sign language and any other languages that people could share; the inclusiveness for everyone, created the magic If we could just everyday share with people, be kind to people, be understanding, helpful, cooperative, and maybe not sweat the small stuff, we could all create a magic that would last, it would ignite our surroundings just like the enchanted forest, we would breath, live and enjoy life much more, and a happiness and positivitity would be created and last.